History of AMNN

The Aviation Museums National Network was formed following a meeting held at the South Australian Aviation Museum in March 2008. Representatives from what are now the Network’s member museums came together in recognition of the significant benefits that could be achieved through collaboration—particularly the sharing of experience, expertise, and resources, and the establishment of a unified voice to advance the collective objectives of Australia’s aviation museums.

In developing the Network’s structure, the founding members examined comparable organisations, including the British Aircraft Preservation Council, to identify an organisational model that would support not-for-profit, volunteer-based museums working together to further their shared interest in aviation history.

To support these objectives, it was agreed that membership of Museums Australia, the national peak body for museums, would be a mandatory requirement for acceptance into the Network.

Member Museum Images - Photo 1

This ensured that the ethical framework and professional standards established by Museums Australia would underpin the operations and aspirations of the Aviation Museums National Network. Under the Museums Australia structure, the Network was formally established as a recognised network group and listed on the Museums Australia website.

Since the inaugural meeting in Adelaide, Network meetings have been hosted in Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. Member museums continue to strongly support the Annual Meetings, with all participants benefiting from the ongoing exchange of knowledge, experience, and resources across the Network.